I wore a tie for a week – this is how I styled it out (and I don’t work in the city)

It’s official; ties are trending. Writer, content producer and all-round style icon Olivia Purvis spends a week styling the accessory of the season.

For a woman who has never checked the FTSE, had to say ‘COB’ in seriousness and only ever lightly dabbled in Avril Lavigne listening (I know, I know), I’ve never really felt like I have much business or authority in adding a tie to my accessory wardrobe.

Re-watches of Annie Hall to one side, I keep seeing ties popping up in a non-ironic, back-to-school sense. First it was the Autumn/Winter 2024 catwalks – see Vivienne Westwood, Balenciaga, Loewe, Lacoste and Schiaparelli (where, ahem, ties were admittedly made from hair, so perhaps unachievable for my fine mane). Then it was at a gig, watching one of my favourite bands, The Lemon Twigs, go full ’70s dad in a suit and tie.

Most recently, tie-spiration came via the Sézane website, styled with jeans and a blazer, rescuing me from any Sk8r Boi memories a striped tie had long conjured. Plus, with Bella Freud’s shiny new collaboration with Marks and Spencer boasting a tie amongst its 26 pieces, I thought, could it be the new it-accessory?

Which, in a Carrie Bradshaw sense, made me wonder if I could style it myself. Plus, if Carrie can do it with her pink shirt and white waistcoat, maybe I really could give it a whirl.

So, with a busy mind full of important questions such as: ‘Is it possible to style a tie if you don’t work in the city?’ ‘Do I look like I’m off to a Busted reunion concert?’ and ‘Can this element of power dressing make a pair of Sézane Le Crop jeans powerful?’ I set off, YouTube video on ‘how to tie a tie’ in one hand, ready for a week of being a Serious Business Woman.

Monday

Starting small! There’s something about coordinating your tie with trousers that makes it feel a bit more subtle and less fussy. I was keen to not make too much of a big statement, and I feel like this knitted number marries the outfit together nicely, giving a bit of a cool, Paul Smith feel to things.

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Tuesday

It’s day two of my formal tie styling quest, and I think it’s abundantly clear that I had an elastic tie at primary school. I couldn’t muster a half-Windsor then, and I sure as hell can’t do it now. Let’s call it intentional – it’s a bit of a knot, slightly undone… who knows! (Disclaimer: I did have to ask for assistance from my very patient boyfriend.) I love how this yellow looks with the pop of blue and brown; it feels very ’70s news reporter.

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Wednesday

Am I having an Annie Hall autumn?! You can’t style a tie without going full suit at least once, can you? I think this would also work really well with a darker waistcoat and brown or tan trousers (à la Annie), and paired with some old-school Hollywood style sunnies. It’s truly amazing the courage one new accessory can give you!

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Thursday

Categorically, whatever I’ve done with the tie today isn’t a ‘traditional’ method of knotting (read: I had no idea what I did), but I feel like there’s something a bit preppy/Madeline-esque about wearing it with a frilly blouse and cardigan for something a little more feminine. This could also be fun with a silk scarf too in case you don’t have any ties lying around.

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Friday

Ending the week with a full-on, power-dressing, ‘80s tribute. Arguably a little bit David Byrne (and could be softened with a pair of pale blue jeans here for a more ‘casual’ approach), but this week has definitely made me realise that actually, throwing a tie in the mix isn’t just for those working at One Canada Square. I’m excited to see how else I can wear it as autumn goes on (perhaps underneath a pinafore with a blouse?) and can assure you there’s more to ties than ’00s pop rock (although maybe it’s time I unearthed ‘Let Go’ for a listen)…

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